Summer holds promise of second annual Momboosa Music Festival

"With the momentum and branding that was built from the first Momboosa Music Festival in 2009, we want to build a 2010 event to further generate community revenue throughout the summer," Jess Horning told members of the Chester-Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce Feb. 17.

Horning, with his brother, Neil, are business partners in Liquid Blue Events, an enterprise that specializes in marketing, promotions and producing events including the music festival that was held July 4 on the Chester Meadow last year.

During their presentation the duo talked about their plans for the summer. In addition to the Momboosa Music Festival they are planning to host four wine-beer walks that will be central to four mini-events. While the specific dates remain flexible, LBE will offer one wine-beer walk each month from May through August.

They talked about some changes to the music festival that evolved because of things tried and tested.

They also made changes as a result of their desire to partner more with the local community and the chamber. Primary among those changes was offering their events on dates when merchants, hotels and the community would normally be less busy.

Last year's music festival was held July 4; this year LBE appears to be working to encourage additional tourism by offering the festival July 17.

Another potential boost to the economy is increasing the single-day wine walk to four walks over a period of as many months.

Jess Horning said no decisions have been made as to what types of entertainment or other kind of shows might be planned around the wine walks.

They listed other changes made to the music festival itself, including lowering the cost of tickets for residents in the Lake Almanor Basin, Westwood and Indian Valley.

In addition to lowering ticket costs, LBE will also be announcing early bird ticket specials.

They have also lowered the cost of admission for children, and parking will be free this year.

As details become firmer they will be announced.

For more general information about the Momboosa Music Festival and upcoming wine walks, contact the Chester-Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce at 258-2426 or Liquid Blue event partners Jess and Neil Horning at (775) 851-4444.